How I’m dealing with unemployment

9th June 2015

I’m going to be brutally honest with myself here. I genuinely thought it would be easier to find a job than it actually is. Particularly because the first job I applied for, before I had even sat my exams, landed me an interview. But I never heard anything back (not even a “Thanks, but no thanks!”).

It’s very easy to get down about not having a job or an income, and living off savings is very daunting. Some day that money will run out. But none the less, I have been trying to be proactive during my time of unemployment. I’m trying to think positively, and to use my time at home wisely. Here’s how I’m spending my time while I’m jobless.

I’m actively looking and applying for jobs everyday

It’s not like I want to be unemployed. I’m looking for jobs every single day, with the aim of applying for at least one job each day. I’m using Indeed, Monster, Reed and the government’s Universal Jobmatch. I also get tailored emails from my university’s vacancy website (which has been beneficial) and I’m trying to make more of my LinkedIn account (let’s connect!).

I’m learning new skills and brushing up on old ones

I taught myself code (HTML and CSS) when I was 14 through a ‘trial and error’ method. I knew what I needed to know, and if I even encountered problems or found gaps in my knowledge then I’d Google it. I learnt a lot, but since finishing university I’ve been going back over these two coding languages to fill in even more gaps in my knowledge. I’ve also started learning jQuery.

One of my new years resolutions was to get better at coding, with the aim of making a responsive layout by the end of the year. I’m happy to say it’s a work in progress, and will be up when I get back off holiday.

In addition, I’m trying to learn more about business and marketing through courses on Coursera and through reading books. I want to enhance my employability as well as improving my business knowledge so that if I choose to start my own business in the future I’ll have a better idea of what I’m doing.

I’m giving myself a break

In between looking for jobs and developing my skills, I’m finding time to devote time to myself. I’m enjoying things I missed out on thanks to a solid year of studying (third year was tough). I’m catching up with TV shows, music, blogs and books.

Perhaps most importantly for me I’m having a holiday (that’s where I am right now!). I’m giving myself the time away from reality in an attempt to forget about unemployment and indulge in my travel passion. Sure, that’s a week without applying for jobs, but I’m hoping I will return feeling more motivated and more inspired than before.

Have you ever been unemployed? How did you deal with it?

(P.S. I’m fully aware that my windows are dirty in the photo above, but you want to try cleaning the outside of the windows when you live on the 5th floor. )

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Hi!
You have very lovely blog, although this is the very first (but definitely not last) time I read it.

And it’s wonderful that you had courage to write this post and face the things not everyone is ready to face.
Wish you all the best in your work search! This definitely is treasurable (is that a word? haha) time for you!

Personally I have never not been employed. I think that is my biggest fear though is once I am out of university what is the next step. I think your techniques are full proof, and if you stay positive great things will happen. Hope all goes well for you!

I think it’s great you’re constantly trying to improve yourself until you can get a job That’s always a good thing, and I’d definitely hire someone who is more productive with themselves. So kudos to you on that. I do hope you get a job soon, though! ^^

It’s hard, I know to be unemployed, but honestly, working at anything would make me happy, because I’ve been not functioning the way people can. I’m not independent as I should be because of my condition, but I make it a goal to function again.